Obstetrics and gynaecology trainees' knowledge of electrosurgical equipment

Electrosurgical energy is potentially dangerous but is a very useful surgical tool. A survey was planned to assess the knowledge of electrosurgery among obstetrics and gynaecology trainees in the Yorkshire Deanery (training region). Questionnaires were given to trainees attending the Modular training programme and were collected on the same day. A total of 71 questionnaires were collected, which represents 62% of the 113 trainees in Yorkshire region: 39 participants were registrars; 27 senior house officers (SHO); four senior SHOs, and one Clinical Fellow. A total of 52% of trainees had only MRCOG Part 1 and 36% of trainees had MRCOG Part 2; 53% of trainees had attended a Basic Surgical Skills course and 10% of trainees were not aware that the 'blue pedal' is used for coagulation (all were SHO except one Specialist Registrar, SpR). A total of 71% of trainees answered incorrectly that coagulating current provides an initial high voltage peak that quickly dissipates, while cutting current provides a constant high energy waveform. Trainees who had attended a Basic Surgical Skills (BSS) course did not demonstrate better knowledge. Knowledge of electrosurgery therefore was found to be poor among obstetrics and gynaecology trainees. Attending a BSS course did not seem to improve it significantly. This study outlines a training need. Perhaps a refresher course in electrosurgery and more focussed training might be useful for trainees with a particular interest in operative gynaecology, to acquire the necessary information and skills.